Martha Fairfield's Obituary
Celebration of Life
Sunrise July 19, 1920 Sunset June 18, 2019
Martha Fairfield was born on July 19, 1920 in West Over Arkansas to Tinnie and Ambrose Walker. She was one of 12 children. As a young child, she went to Lake Cormorat School, and learned about agriculture. One of Martha’s great and favorite pastimes was being in her garden. She kept her garden full of green beans, greens, lemons, rosemary and other delicious food that she lovingly fed to her family. When you step into Martha’s kitchen, you will get some good homemade southern eating.
Later, Martha and her brothers and sisters moved between Mississippi and Arkansas and eventually landed in Tennessee in 1935. While in Memphis Tennessee, young Martha worked in a restaurant. She later did hair for her family including her children and grandchildren. She took pride in how she looked and she made sure her family always presented themselves well.
In April 1943 and thanks to brother Nathan and sister in Law Lizzie, the word was out… California’s got jobs! Martha and all the Walkers moved out to California and worked in the ship yards.
When in Oakland, Martha and her brothers and sisters and their families and friends all lived in a storefront on 8th Street in downtown Oakland. After the storefront, the family moved to Harbor Homes and eventually, Martha, Tinnie, Handy and mother Tinnie moved to their home on Adeline Street.
Once the war was over, Martha took sewing classes at Laney. She even had sewing skills when working as a welder in the shipyards. Martha was very smart and talented she was the only Black person in her sewing class at Laney. She was so smart that her classmates would often go to her for guidance. She excelled and used all of her creativity to make so many things. She made hats, clothes, men’s and women’s suits, wedding dresses… She didn’t stop there… she upholstered chairs, made headboards and had great carpentry skills. She made her own patterns for all types of clothes. Martha was a great seamstress and was driven.
Martha also had fun going to a turn-around Reno bus with Sister in Law Lizzie.
She was loved by so many family and friends. At any time, there could be Walker family and friends dropping by the house and she treated everyone with love. Everyone was ALWAYS welcomed with loving arms.
Martha leaves a hosts of family and friends. Brothers Whiley, Handy, Nathan, Jesse and Sister Annie and great-grand daughter Kalayse have preceded her. She leaves sister Tinnie, children Melonie and Eric, son and daughter in Law Joseph and Regina, grand children Jolaunne, Jene’, Jamila, Eric, Erin, Erica, great grand children, Jaylin, Jaysyn, Tajon, Tyrone, Kheti, Kevin Rohan, Kendira, Kanan, and Elija and grand son’s in law Johnny and Tyrone.
What’s your fondest memory of Martha?
What’s a lesson you learned from Martha?
Share a story where Martha's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Martha you’ll never forget.
How did Martha make you smile?